Blown cylinder head gasket: symptoms

What are the signs and consequences of a broken cylinder head gasket?

Hello, dear users of the automobile portal Byzovo.ru, in 2018! We will devote this article to the main signs of a broken cylinder head gasket (cylinder head gasket). How can one even determine this, are there any signs? We’ll talk about this using the example of a “nine” - VAZ 2109. The car has a carburetor, but the signs will be the same with an injection one.

VAZ 2109 with a broken cylinder head gasket - how to determine

Well, we are at the most ordinary “nine”. Let's start identifying the signs of this malfunction.

We'll start by inspecting the expansion tank. There is noticeable steam that shouldn't be there. You can see it in the photo. This just means that the cylinder head gasket is broken. The engine temperature is 20-30 degrees, that is, it has just been started. At higher temperatures, the liquid in the tank will “boil” and “ask” to come out.

These will be smoky clouds from the exhaust system of a car with a broken cylinder head gasket.

Now let's turn off the engine and look at the outlet of the exhaust system - it has a thick edging. Below, too, you will definitely find a sweetish-tasting liquid. You can taste the “sweetness” and, by placing your palm under the exhaust outlet while the engine is running, the smell and smoky fumes will remain on it.

When using an engine for a long time with a broken cylinder head gasket, you may notice emulsification of the engine oil. Scoop up a little with a screwdriver and you will see a pure emulsion - a mixture of oil and coolant.

Also, the coolant cannot help but touch the spark plugs. It definitely gets into the cylinder, washing not only the piston and valve, but also affecting the spark plugs.

In the photo below you see VAZ 2109 spark plugs, the left spark plug has a reddish tint. We turned off the engine while it was hot, meaning the spark plug had time to dry out. But you can still see that she is different from the other.

If you turn off the car and immediately pull out the spark plug, it will still be wet.

So, under the head of this car we see 4 pistons, 2 of which are washed, and 2 are quite normal. Here are the washed pistons - this is another sign of a broken cylinder head gasket. In this case, it is not pierced in a completely standard way; usually the piercing occurs at the edge, after which the heated antifreeze or antifreeze enters the cylinder.

Let's summarize? So, the obvious signs of a broken cylinder head gasket:

steam from the expansion tank;
clouds of smoke from the exhaust system;
fat system output and liquid at the bottom;
emulsification of motor oil;
candles with a red coating;
washed pistons.

Now let's see what overheating of the head leads to.

What are the consequences if the head gasket is broken?

Let's conduct a practical experiment to see the consequences of overheating. This head will be milled on the machine, and let's see how overheating affected the flatness of the head. After the first run, we see a picture - such a failure occurs when the head overheats.

From this event we can conclude that at least another 5 acres, or even a dozen, of the gap must be removed. It becomes clear that the heads need to be milled after overheating.

You can clearly see all the nuances in the video here. There you will hear for yourself how the “nine” engine works with a broken cylinder head gasket.

Source: http://bizovo.ru/articles/probitaya_prokladka_gbc_priznaki_posledstviya-57.html

We clarify how to check the cylinder head gasket of a VAZ 2114

Damage to the cylinder head gasket is a fairly common malfunction with various causes. How to check the cylinder head gasket of a VAZ 2114, what signs can be used to judge its malfunction, as well as how to replace it, will be discussed in this article.

What is a cylinder head gasket, signs of its damage

The cylinder head gasket is a sealing element that serves to seal the connection between the cylinder head and the block itself. Thanks to it, the combustion chamber is separated from the cooling jacket channels through which the coolant circulates.

The main materials from which cylinder head gaskets are made are either thin sheet metal or reinforced paronite, which has additional metallized rings located at the locations of the combustion chamber openings.

It is for this reason (thin-layer material and very high loads) that situations where the cylinder block gasket is damaged or burns out are not so rare.

So, by what indirect signs can a car enthusiast find out that the cylinder head gasket of a VAZ 2114 has burned out? In fact, there are quite a few of them, and just one of them will not solve the problem (if the gasket damage is really to blame).

These signs are as follows:

light or almost white exhaust smoke;
abundant carbon deposits on candles;
exhaust gases penetrate into the expansion tank, due to which a viscous emulsion is formed in it;
the expansion tank, as well as the pipes, are inflated;
the oil cap begins to become covered with a white coating;
the stove heats poorly;
the coolant is covered in oil stains;
the coolant bubbles when the engine is on;
The engine oil level rises and its color also changes.

If similar signs of burnout of the cylinder head gasket of a VAZ 2114 are found (and there are several of them at once), then the gasket is definitely damaged and should be replaced with a new one. If only one sign is present, then you can perform a check and accurately determine whether it is suitable for further use or not.

Reasons leading to cylinder head gasket failure and checking it

There are not many main reasons leading to cylinder head gasket failure:

overheating (this can occur as a result of various problems with the engine or cooling circuit);
leakage of exhaust gases through the gasket (occurs, as a rule, when the cylinder head fixing bolts are not tightly tightened or are worn out, as well as when there is a sudden load on the engine immediately after starting it, without preheating);
leakage of coolant or oil;
uneven combustion of fuel;
various mechanical damage to the cylinder head gasket due to engine breakdowns.

But, regardless of the reasons, if there is a suspicion of wear on the cylinder head gasket, it should be checked. There are several main options here.

The first is based on indirect signs (the list of which was given above). If several of them are present, then the gasket is definitely to blame.

This can be determined more accurately by dismantling the cylinder head and performing a visual inspection of the gasket (second method). If there are ruptures, surface damage, leaks and other irregularities on it, then the gasket has failed and must be replaced with a new one.

Metal or paronite gasket - which one to choose?

It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer about which gasket to choose - paronite with metal spacers or a metal one. Each of them has both its pros and cons.

Thus, a gasket made of pure sheet metal will last much longer (if no emergency situations occur, it can last the full life of the car engine before major repairs).

Signs of cylinder head gasket wear

But it also has a number of disadvantages:

higher price;
the required high quality of workmanship (if you accidentally purchase a low-quality or counterfeit cylinder head gasket, it can break very quickly);
high requirements for straightness and roughness of the surfaces to be joined (if the surface of the cylinder head is non-uniform, then the use of a metal gasket is possible only after preliminary grinding, otherwise gas breakthrough under the gasket is possible).

In turn, rubber-asbestos (paronite) gasket has a lower price, is less demanding on manufacturing accuracy, as well as on the uniformity of the surfaces being connected (it can be used without preliminary grinding).

True, due to lower performance characteristics than an all-metal gasket, it also has a significantly shorter service life, burns out more often, and is also more susceptible to mechanical damage.

How to properly replace the gasket?

If you notice signs of a broken cylinder head gasket on a VAZ 2114, and after inspection you are convinced that this is indeed the case, then the only way to solve this problem is to replace the gasket.

Of course, this can be done at a car service center, but this generally simple operation will be quite expensive. That is why you can replace the gasket yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUUvEQXUK1M

The very first thing you need to do for this is to disconnect all devices and instruments connected to the engine, remove belts, etc. It wouldn’t hurt to write down everything that was filmed (so that later there won’t be anything “extra”).

Then you need to unscrew the head mounting bolts.

To do this, we first clean them of dirt, rust and technical fluids, and then unscrew them one by one (first, each of the bolts must be turned slightly, and only after doing this procedure with all the bolts, unscrew them completely).

After this, we dismantle the worn gasket and install a new one in its place (you need to focus on the bushings and protrusions - they will help install the gasket in the correct position, without unevenness and distortions).

When the new gasket is installed, all that remains is to reconnect all the units, and then secure the cylinder head with bolts.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that this should not be done “by eye” - this will lead to very rapid wear of the gasket, and it will have to be changed again. For this reason, the bolts are tightened only with the use of a torque wrench and only to the amount specified in the passport.

Source: https://VAZremont.com/kak-proverit-prokladku-gbc-vaz-2114

Blown head gasket

You cannot drive with a broken gasket: the engine will either overheat or simply start to misfire. Engine overheating usually leads to replacement of pistons and major repairs. The reasons for overheating can be varied, but there are three main reasons:

incorrect installation of the new gasket
uneven mating surface
incorrect engine operation

What to do if the cylinder head gasket is blown?

Change, definitely. In any case, if gases entered the cooling system and the engine began to overheat, or the engine began to misfire and operate unstably, it must be disassembled by removing the head and having it diagnosed. Well, in any case, you need to reassemble the engine with a new gasket.

If the engine was recently repaired, the new gasket may have been installed incorrectly. There are also craftsmen who can install an old used gasket. There is no need to do this, it will not be able to shrink properly and will leak gases somewhere and eventually burn out.

The new gasket may also be crimped incorrectly; for this, it is enough to not follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. The gasket must be tightened in several stages (usually 2-3), starting from the middle and moving to the bolts that are located at the edges.

Typically, the crimping diagram and tightening torques can be read in the instructions that come with the gasket or are written on the packaging. All the moments and sequence of bolts are written there.

It is advisable to use new bolts, because they must work at the moment of yield, and used ones, as a rule, have already passed this moment and they cannot be compressed, or they will break or stretch greatly, losing strength. Such a connection will be unreliable and a gas breakthrough may form in the gasket.

Overheating is another reason, and the most common one. Somewhere I overlooked it, the engine slightly overheated, the engine head became deformed - and now some centers of tension were formed, through which gases would then burst. Therefore, you need to monitor the condition of the engine and not overheat it.

Even when replacing gaskets, they rarely look at the plane of the head and block.

The block is mostly cast iron and rarely deforms, but the cylinder head is aluminum and almost always deforms, since it is forcibly pressed with bolts, it works constantly under heating and cooling conditions and therefore can easily change its geometry.

If you need to open the head, then you can’t get away with replacing the gasket; you also need to check the flatness of the head, and preferably also the tightness, because gas breakthrough occurs not only through the gasket.

How to identify a damaged cylinder head gasket?

Usually this can be done by indirect evidence, if you do not disassemble the motor. But if gases, along with the coolant, break through between the head and the block, then we can immediately say that the gasket does not hold. This is the only case when a breakdown can be determined without fault detection.

When the gasket is pierced, gases pass through it, by which this can be determined:

The cooling system pipes are inflated and are difficult to squeeze with your fingers; gases have broken into the cooling system. The coolant reservoir will smell like exhaust fumes
white smoke came out of the exhaust pipe - part of the gases, passing through the channels of the cooling system, together with the liquid, enters back into the combustion chamber, which does not burn and turns the smoke white
Is the engine running rough and compression is lost in one of the cylinders? The gasket has broken between the cylinders and compressed air escapes into the adjacent cylinder, lowering the pressure

This is how it is defined. You can’t drive with a broken gasket; the engine will almost certainly overheat, which is an expensive repair, and without compression the engine will misfire.

Source: http://kakavto.com/?p=296

Blown cylinder head gasket - causes and symptoms

Causes and symptoms of a broken cylinder head gasket.

Often, the driver does not notice the problem with a burst cylinder head gasket until a serious breakdown occurs. Due to the traditionally low quality of parts, domestic cars are most susceptible to gasket problems (although the problem is quite common on foreign cars as well).

Indeed, it can be difficult to notice the symptoms. However, there are some telltale signs that may indicate that repairs are imminent.

So, the first and most obvious evidence of a malfunction is a sharp increase in engine noise, as well as the formation of steam under the hood.

This indicates that the gasket has been punched to the outside of the cylinder block.

The appearance of white steam from the exhaust pipe or engine tripping.

It is much more dangerous if the gasket blows inward, since this malfunction is much more difficult to detect.

However, in this case, the engine will rev, and constantly, which should give you the idea to measure the compression in the cylinders. If the results are not very optimistic, the gasket will need to be replaced.

The next symptom is the appearance of air bubbles in the radiator fluid. As a rule, this case is accompanied by white steam from the exhaust pipe.

Also pay attention to fluid and oil leaks from the joints in the engine. This does not always indicate a leak, however, it is better to replace the gasket in order to avoid more serious problems with the engine.

What causes a cylinder head gasket to blow? The first and main reason is engine overheating. This factor is most detrimental to the gasket. High temperatures lead to the formation of cavities and burnouts in the gasket material, and it becomes deformed.

The penetration of the cylinder head gasket is affected by the tightening of the bolts.

The gasket may also be damaged when the fastening bolts are overtightened (however, loose bolts are no less dangerous). Remember that tightening engine bolts “by eye” is strictly prohibited. Get a dynamometer and follow the tightening torques specified by the manufacturer.

The quality of the product itself is also important. As mentioned above, this point is most relevant for domestic cars. Avoid suspiciously cheap purchases and, if possible, purchase parts from official suppliers.

In general, the set of symptoms indicating a broken cylinder head gasket is not that large. You can avoid malfunctions and difficult, expensive repairs if you periodically pay attention to the operation of the engine, listen to its knocks and promptly change the necessary materials.

Source: http://remcars.info/informacija-avtolubiteliyam/probilo-prokladku-gbc-prichiny-i-simptomy.html

Burnt out cylinder head gasket: causes, symptoms, consequences

Causes of burnout of cylinder head gaskets

The requirements for modern cylinder head gaskets are extremely high. Their task is to seal the connection between the cylinder block and the head.

Why does the gasket burn out?

The channels are located in close proximity to each other and if the gaskets burn out, they can “mix.” There may be situations where external leaks may occur due to a leak.

Among the main reasons for burnout of cylinder head gaskets are:

violation of operating rules - overheating due to insufficient cooling or failures in the combustion system;
violation of repair technology - incorrect force and procedure for tightening the cylinder head bots.

For correct diagnosis, observation and knowledge of the primary symptoms of cylinder head gasket failure are first and foremost important. The first traces of oil or coolant, the presence of gases in it, will help to replace it in time and prevent more serious problems in the engine due to poor cooling or lubrication.

Overheat

The most common reason for cylinder head gasket failure is overheating. In this case, the sealing element itself is often destroyed, and the cavity of the head and even the cylinder block is deformed.

Local overheating of the combustion chambers causes cracks to appear and an increase in the force acting on the gasket due to the expansion of the aluminum head. With subsequent cooling, the gasket, as a result, no longer provides a tight seal.

The reason is that when heated, the layers lose their elasticity. You can “calculate” an overheated gasket only by inspection: near the chambers it often becomes charred, in other areas it becomes hard.

When replacing an overheated gasket, it is not enough to simply treat the surface of the head. It is important to understand the reason that caused the overheating: incorrect operation of the cooling system (failure of the thermostat or malfunction of the pump, damage to the hoses, etc.).

If overheating has occurred and the gasket seems intact (there are no suspicious marks), you should not tempt fate. The necessary properties have already been lost and the appearance of burnout is a matter of time. Therefore, replacement should be made immediately.

Fuel combustion problems

Failure to ignite fuel properly will cause the temperature to rise significantly. An increase in pressure due to untimely ignition increases the load on the cylinder head: its bolts begin to “stretch” and, accordingly, press the gasket less tightly. Destruction is enhanced by possible detonations.

Visually, a gasket that has burned out due to ignition problems can be identified by damage between the cylinder holes or by a change in the color of the surround.

After replacing the cylinder head gasket, you need to check the correct ignition timing and compliance of the glow number of the spark plugs with the regulated values.

Incorrect cylinder head installation

Correct installation of the cylinder head is important for uniform compression. Not only the force matters, but also the order in which the bolts are tightened. Repair information is provided in the instructions for a specific vehicle and must be strictly followed.

Any violation may result in the gasket leaking. There are situations when the order is observed, and the torque wrench shows the required force, but the gasket is leaking. Before sinning on the quality of a part, you should make sure that other nuances are completed to the smallest detail.

Thus, often inexperienced repairmen “do not notice” the information that the threaded part of the bolts must be lubricated.
As a result, part of the force of the “dry” bolts will be spent on overcoming friction and the tightening will be weak. An excessive amount of oil is also dangerous: it, when compressed, will fill part of the hole and “prevent” the bolt from reaching the required depth.

If crimping is not done correctly, in most cases symptoms will appear after just a few hours of operation. It is worth considering that over time, the gasket and connection may “weaken” under the influence of temperatures and vibrations. Therefore, if such a recommendation is in the instructions for the car, after a certain time you need to tighten it again.

Signs of a broken cylinder head gasket

Burnt out cylinder head gasket: symptoms of malfunction

The cylinder head gasket is responsible for the tightness of the connection between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. This gasket makes it possible to seal the combustion chamber and the cooling jacket channels through which the coolant moves.

The gasket can be made of thin metal. The second available option is reinforced paronite, which additionally has a metal edging in those places where the gasket has holes for the combustion chamber.

Burnout or breakdown of the cylinder head gasket is a serious and fairly common malfunction. The obvious answer to the question of whether it is possible to drive with a broken cylinder head gasket is the need for urgent repairs.

It should be added that if there is a slight loss of tightness, you can move under your own power in a car, but it is advisable to eliminate such a defect urgently.

In the event that the cylinder head gasket is severely punctured and signs of failure are clearly visible, operation of the internal combustion engine is prohibited.

Causes of failure and how to check the cylinder head gasket

The consequences for the engine can be disastrous even when driving a car with this problem for a short time. If the breakdown of the cylinder head gasket is ignored, even after a short mileage, a major overhaul becomes necessary.

This breakdown can occur in both a gasoline and diesel engine, in a turbocharged or naturally aspirated unit. Gasket failure requires correct and timely diagnosis.

An increase in fuel consumption, difficult engine starting and unstable operation, a decrease in internal combustion engine power, a drop in the coolant level in the expansion tank, and low compression in the cylinders can indicate a problem at an early stage.

The most common causes of breakdown or burnout of the cylinder head gasket are:

engine overheating;
incorrect installation when replacing the gasket;
consequences of power tuning of internal combustion engines;
the tightening force of the cylinder head bolts does not meet the standards;
driving on low quality gasoline, which is accompanied by detonation;

Engine overheating is the main cause of cylinder head gasket failure.

Engine overheating occurs for various reasons, ranging from a malfunction of the cooling system to phenomena such as engine detonation or glow ignition.

Both metal (asbestos) gaskets and paronite gaskets in such conditions usually cannot withstand the rising temperature during overheating and burn out. After such a burnout, the strength of the gasket becomes less and it blows out.

It is noteworthy that among the indirect signs of a burnt-out cylinder head gasket, in some cases an increase in engine temperature, that is, overheating, was noted.

A breakdown of the combustion chamber edging on the gasket leads to hot gases breaking into the engine cooling system and overheating the antifreeze.

It turns out that overheating of the engine often damages the gasket, and then a breakdown of the gasket provokes an increase in engine temperature.

The list of consequences of overheating of the power unit also includes curvature of the cylinder head, or rather its plane. In everyday life, the definition “cylinder head led” is found. Most often, the block head suffers from overheating if the material used for its manufacture is aluminum alloy.

Note that cast iron heads are more resistant to high temperatures, although in some cases cracks may occur. If the head has moved, then such curvature is eliminated by grinding. As a preventive measure (unnecessary), grinding the cylinder head is not recommended.

If the cylinder head gasket has burned out or is punctured, then the list of main symptoms of such a malfunction includes:

gas breakthrough or leaks in the area where the head meets the cylinder block;
the appearance of an emulsion in the engine lubrication system;
the engine begins to smoke white smoke;
oil and/or exhaust gases entering the engine cooling system;

If exhaust gases break through at the place where the cylinder head meets the cylinder block, then this is a clear sign of a broken cylinder head gasket. This phenomenon is also accompanied by a significant increase in noise during engine operation.

A noticeable escape of exhaust gases through a broken gasket is not common, but it is quite easy to diagnose. If the outer shell of the gasket ruptures, coolant or engine oil leaks may also appear on the outer surfaces of the engine at the junction of the head and block.

Among the signs that require a more thorough examination are:

The appearance of brownish-white foam on the oil dipstick, as well as a white emulsion on the oil filler cap, indicates that coolant is penetrating the engine lubrication system. Coolant can enter the oil system in two ways: through the cylinder head gasket, and also in the event of a crack in the cylinder block. Liquid from the cooling system dilutes the engine oil, which leads to a significant deterioration in its protective properties.
If the engine constantly smokes thick white smoke (after warming up and reaching operating temperatures), then there is a high probability of coolant getting into the cylinders of the power unit. This happens due to the fact that the liquid passes into the gap in the gasket between the channel of the engine cooling jacket and the combustion chamber of the power unit. At the same time, the coolant level in the expansion tank decreases, since part of the liquid evaporates during engine operation. Note that at an early stage the engine often runs stably, the coolant drains slowly, but after some time the defect becomes more serious. In some cases, excessive coolant entering the cylinders can lead to water hammer, since the antifreeze or antifreeze in the cooling system contains about 40-50% distilled water.

The presence of oil stains that are noticeable on the surface of the coolant after unscrewing the expansion tank cap, as well as traces of engine oil in the radiator of the cooling system, often indicate problems with the cylinder head gasket. The penetration of exhaust gases into the cooling system can be determined by the formation of bubbles that are constantly visible in the expansion tank or radiator during engine operation. Such bubbling of the coolant is a sign of a gasket leak.

It is more difficult to diagnose a breakdown or leakage of the cylinder head gasket if the defect is localized between the cylinders. If the cylinder head gasket is burnt out, symptoms in this case may not appear on the outside, and the problem itself is accompanied only by indirect signs: fuel consumption increases, the engine runs unstably and stalls, and there is a drop in power.

It is worth adding that in the event of a burnout of the head gasket between the combustion chambers, mixing of exhaust gases and the fuel-air mixture in adjacent cylinders may occur. More often, the malfunction manifests itself in the form of unstable operation of a cold engine, which normalizes after warming up.

These malfunctions in the operation of the internal combustion engine can be caused by various problems. As for checking the gasket, for accurate diagnosis it is necessary to measure engine compression.

If there is a similar drop in compression in adjacent cylinders, then a defective cylinder head gasket is quite likely.

How to change the cylinder head gasket correctly

Let's start with the fact that removing the cylinder head on some engines is a complex and time-consuming procedure that requires draining fluids and dismantling individual units and components. When replacing the cylinder head gasket, you must make sure that the head has the most even plane of contact with the cylinder block.

Dirt, deep scratches and other defects are not allowed on adjacent surfaces. If the block head has been ground, then it is necessary to separately take into account the thickness of the removed layer from the adjacent surface.

It is imperative to follow the recommended sequence and force when tightening the cylinder head bolts.

To obtain accurate data, the engine manufacturer and cylinder head gasket manufacturers provide a diagram according to which it is necessary to tighten the fasteners. The recommended tightening force (torque) is also indicated.

Let us add that when replacing the cylinder head gasket, it is recommended to also replace the mounting bolts. After unscrewing and then tightening with proper force, the old studs cannot withstand the load, resulting in the bolt breaking.

If the cylinder head stud breaks off, but the gasket does not burn out, then the broken part must be unscrewed. After this, the bolt must be replaced with a new one.

To remove a broken bolt, you can use a simple method that involves welding a metal tube to the remainder of the bolt. This tube should have a smaller diameter compared to the bolt. The tube is applied to the broken pin and scalded from the inside.

You can also weld a nut onto the top of the tube, after which you can unscrew the broken pin without much difficulty.

Is it necessary to stretch the cylinder head after replacing the gasket?

As mentioned above, in the process of replacing the gasket, increased attention is paid to the fastening bolts, as well as correct tightening. The head must be tightened only with the recommended torque according to a clearly defined pattern (sequence). Over-tightening or under-tightening is unacceptable.

Overtightened cylinder head bolts can cause the head of the mounting bolt to come off. Loss of pressing force will mean that the head of the block does not fit tightly enough, a loss of tightness occurs and the gasket breaks again.

As for pulling the cylinder head after replacing the gasket, it is advisable to carry out this procedure after several tens of kilometers. During this time, the driver is obliged to closely monitor the engine and its operation. An engine with a new gasket must operate stably in all modes, the exhaust must be clean, and the operating temperature of the engine must not exceed the permissible limit.

The head must be pulled if there are any leaks in the area of the joint with the cylinder block. To do this, you need to use a torque wrench and tighten with the force recommended by the car manufacturer for tightening the head on a specific engine.

Metal or paronite cylinder head gasket: which is better?

Many car enthusiasts are wondering which cylinder head gasket is better, metal or paronite.

According to experts and auto mechanics, a metal cylinder head gasket can withstand greater loads compared to a reinforced paronite gasket.

This is especially true for turbocharged engines and forced internal combustion engines. on which the paronite cylinder head gaskets are quickly blown out after installation.

If the engine is naturally aspirated, is in stock configuration and there are no plans for tuning it, then a metal-paronite gasket is a completely suitable option. Moreover, the undeniable advantage of such a gasket is the ability to slightly smooth out small nuances and unevenness of the adjacent surface.

It is also necessary to add that the walls between the groups of holes in the gaskets are very thin. For this reason, the service life of metal or paronite gaskets is primarily affected by correctness and accuracy during installation, and only then by the material of manufacture.

The result of incorrect installation is that the gasket quickly burns out, after replacing the cylinder head gasket, the car does not start or the pistons knock. The latter case is more typical for diesel engines, when the piston can touch the edge of the gasket.

Tips and tricks

If diagnostics show that the head gasket is burnt out, then further operation of the car is highly not recommended.

Possible consequences for the engine and the costs of eliminating them can be tens of times greater than the cost of a cylinder head gasket and the work to replace it.

For different car models, the cost of the gasket can range from 15 to 50 USD. Mounting bolts will cost an average of 10-20 USD.

Separately, it is worth paying attention to the question of whether the cylinder head gasket can be reused. There cannot be a definite answer even if the gasket is in perfect condition. As practice shows, if it is necessary to remove the cylinder head, it is better to carry out a preventive replacement of the gasket and fasteners.

Finally, we add that increased attention must be paid to the quality of the gasket.

Taking into account the complexity and amount of work involved in dismantling the cylinder head, it is better to immediately buy a branded original gasket or an analogue from a well-known manufacturer than to remove the head again after 10-15 thousand km.

The purchase of a gasket of proper quality will be fully justified even taking into account the higher cost (25-50%) compared to more affordable budget options in a group of similar products.

Source: http://legkoe-delo.ru/remont-avtomobilya/automobile/95594-priznaki-probitoj-prokladki-gbts

Signs that the cylinder head gasket is broken. Reasons for this phenomenon

Category: Repair and maintenance | Published date: March 6, 2016 | no comments

Probably everyone knows that the engine is one of the most important parts of a car.

It makes no sense to even try to compare an engine breakdown with a breakdown of another part of the car, be it the chassis or electrical equipment. No, we are in no way downplaying the importance of these parts for the performance of the car.

But, nevertheless, you must admit that even faulty struts still make it possible to drive, which cannot be said about a non-working engine.

This article is devoted to such an element of the car as the engine. Well, however, we will not consider all its details, but will focus on such a small part as the gasket related to the cylinder head.

First, let's find out what a cylinder head gasket is? Then we will find out how to determine a broken cylinder head gasket ? And finally, let's try to understand what causes this engine element to break down? If you are tormented by such questions, then we invite you to read this material.

But before you start answering the questions, you need to find out what the element this article is devoted to is. As already mentioned, this is one of the engine parts. But this is already understandable.

It is necessary to explain somewhat what function this part performs. It serves to cover the cylinders. Due to its tight fit to the cylinder block, and with the help of a special gasket, this element serves as a kind of sealant.

As long as he is intact, everything is fine. If the gasket is broken, expect trouble and destruction of the engine.

A little about car gaskets

The appearance of cylinder head gaskets and the material from which they are made are not universal. Each individual car manufacturer decides for itself what its products should look like.

For example, paranit can be used to make a gasket. Some manufacturers use gaskets made from thin sheet metal.

But no matter what they are made of, and no matter what color they are, the thinness of the walls of the gaskets is the main reason for all the problems associated with them.

Breakdown, damage and even burning - this is what can happen to the cylinder head gasket. And as soon as any of this happens, a chain reaction will begin.

Once the gasket is blown, engine problems are almost guaranteed. It is necessary to take into account that you can encounter such nasty things even without using the vehicle.

If you make a mistake when installing the cylinder head, then, as a result, you can also get a hole in the gasket or burn it out.

Read How to install a rear door lock from Kalina on a VAZ-2113

How to understand that the gasket is no longer intact

It's not that difficult to do. All you need is observation. So, if the cylinder head gasket is broken , the signs are as follows:

One of the signs is exhaust gases coming from under the cylinder head. It's hard not to notice them. It's even harder not to hear the sound it makes;
If the gasket between the cylinders is broken, it is difficult to detect, but possible. For example, try taking a compression measurement. This will definitely make it possible to detect a breakdown. And the motor will not work normally with such a problem. He can triple, which will be very noticeable;
The presence of exhaust gases among the coolant can also be a sign of such a problem. Although it's not that simple. The bottom line is that exhaust gases can appear in the coolant due to a crack in the cylinder or in case of a problem with the cooling jacket. Be that as it may, an indicator of problems with exhaust gases can be either a white exhaust or the presence of bubbles in the coolant expansion tank;

In addition to the signs already mentioned, we can also highlight the following symptoms of a broken cylinder head gasket :

An accurate symptom of a broken gasket is the presence of oil or water leaks on the power unit.
You can detect a broken cylinder head gasket by monitoring the engine temperature. If it rises unreasonably, this may be a sign of a leak. Consequently, the heat that is released during fuel combustion enters the cooling system and because of this, the antifreeze warms up.
Oddly enough, but a sign that not everything is in order with the cylinder head gasket is an increase in the oil level in the engine. Yes, this is also possible, although you shouldn’t be happy about the promotion. It is known that power units can consume oil. Why, sometimes this is even provided for by the design features of the engine and is considered a completely normal process. But to see how the engine “gives” oil is a wonder. And not the most pleasant one. It indicates only one thing - coolant is getting into the oil. And the consequences of this can be very unpleasant. Due to this process, the viscosity of the oil is noticeably reduced, and the friction between different parts of the power unit becomes stronger. The engine overheats and its parts suffer increased wear. The consequence of all this is a serious reduction in engine life. Needless to say, the sooner this problem is detected, the greater the chance that the engine will last longer. To identify it, you just need to look into the coolant expansion tank. If you see oily spots in it, it means there is something wrong with your cylinder head gasket.

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We found out how, now it's time to find out why

Now that you already know how to identify a breakdown in the gasket, it would not hurt to say a few words about the reasons for such a breakdown. The cylinder head gasket may be damaged due to:

Engine overheating. Gaskets are not able to withstand high temperatures. If it reaches a critical value, the gasket simply burns. After some time, a crack forms at the site of the burn;
Head deformation. Everything is simple here. A deformed plane where the head contacts the block can lead to gasket rupture;
Incorrect tightening of mounting bolts. If you do not follow the process of tightening the bolts and fasten them with different forces, then the clamping force may be lost in some places. The cylinder head gasket will be broken in these places;
Poor quality of the cylinder head gasket itself. Do you like to save on car parts? Then be prepared for the fact that a cheap gasket may get a hole after a thousand kilometers of travel.

Source: http://drivedrom.ru/remont-i-obsluzhivanie/probita-prokladka-gbc.html